AKT 

The AKT has a format with which most of us are familiar.  Pass rates overall are high but the breakdowns show a higher chance of failure the earlier this is undertaken. 

I have extracted the following from the RCGP AKT exam report:- 

Candidates who declared themselves as being in ST3 of their GP training had a pass rate of 86% if they were taking the AKT for the first time.  

The mean scores by subject area were:

• ‘Clinical medicine’ 73.9%

• ‘Evidence interpretation’ 73.2%

• ‘Organisational questions’ 67.9% 

The RCGP has identified particular areas where candidates appear to perform more weekly:- 

Skin problems

Skin problems presenting in general practice are common. Candidates appeared

unclear about appropriate use of topical preparations, and in particular, restrictions on what can be applied where.   

Eye problems

Candidates had difficulty with the diagnosis and management of common, non-acute eye problems. As with dermatology, ophthalmology is traditionally an area

where candidates may have gained less experience during their training, but eye

problems too are common. 

Care of children and young people

The AKT focuses on applied knowledge and this may involve on occasions

directly or indirectly testing the scientific aspects related to a particular problem,

as outlined in the curriculum. In this case, there was lack of knowledge about

aetiology of some childhood infections which in turn determines appropriate

treatment. 
 

Curriculum statement: clinical governance

Candidates were unaware of some aspects of clinical governance relating to

performance indicators and regulatory standards. While GP registrars are often

less involved in those areas of practice which are not directly clinical, it is

important to be aware of governance issues and their links with the GMC`s

“Good Medical Practice”. 

Travel medicine

Disappointingly, candidates did not perform well,.  This is a broad area and candidates are not expected to have detailed knowledge: we are aware that guidance changes frequently and much of the workload is dealt with by nurses. However, general principles are important and candidates should be familiar with regimes for commonly prescribed drugs.